The transport of the razorback P-47D THUNDERBOLT from the new AirCorps Aviation restoration facility to the airport (just 2 miles by road) went remarkably smoothly. A task like that is only made possible by great planning by the restoration team and an outstanding trucking company. It has been quite the journey bringing this pacific theater WWII combat veteran P-47D THUNDERBOLT back to airworthy condition, but we can’t wait to see it take the skies soon!
YOU ONLY UNDERSTAND PERFECTION IF YOU ATTEMPT IT.
At AirCorps Aviation we have been blessed to work with great people and for great people. All of our current restorations are with customers who are on their fourth or fifth fighter restoration with AirCorps. Those customers have been with us since day one watching us grow from 4 to nearly 60 employees. Customers across the globe have not only appreciated our work but demanded more. We continue to expand our restoration abilities and explore the idea of what makes a restoration excellent.
FEW PIECES HAVE BOTH GRATIFIED US AND HUMBLED US LIKE THIS P-47 COWLING
There was no need to look elsewhere in the AirCorps shop if you were looking for a cleco. Mike Izzi was likely using every single one of them that we had on the massive engine / nose cowling (P/N 89P63101-32 COWL ASSEMBLY – ENGINE PRIMARY) for the P-47.
The 42-27609 project had no useable accessory and engine cowlings. Thankfully Yanks Air Museum allowed us to scan their originals for reference. The complex metalwork achieved by the fabrication team and the beautiful assembly by the restoration team have come together to create a striking piece of technical artistry that was built from scratch. It is a true showcase of the range of capabilities of the AirCorps shop.
AIRCORPS AVIATION DOES MUCH MORE THAN JUST RESTORE WWII AIRCRAFT!
Last year AirCorps Aviation was accepted into General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) as one of only 120 of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft. Over the past ten years, we have continued our globally recognized WWII aircraft restoration work, while successfully developing a number of strategic investments in Build to Print fabrication, and Repair Station work.
On seeing the P-47 leave the assembly shop.
“It was a strange feeling having a restoration assembly / finishing shop go from a full bustling space to one that was so empty. It is great to see the P-47 in the hangar closer to completion. We’ve put a lot of work into it, and it is nearly ready to fly!”
On how it felt to see the P-47 move to the hangar.
To say I was excited about the P-47 Thunderbolt going to the hangar would be an understatement! For the last couple of months the team has been pushing so hard to get to this step and it is finally here. We are one step closer to getting this historic and beautiful aircraft back in the air.
Congratulations! After 62 missions with the 79th. Ftr. Group in Italy it will be my pleasure (hopefully to be there when it happens….I’m 98 now) to see it fly! Stay well! Gerry
Thanks for reaching out Gerry. Look for an email from me.
My uncle flew with the 348th FG, 341st fighter squadron and I would sure like to see this beauty in person. You are just over an hours drive (Bigfork)
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I have The 348th Unit history as well as squadron histories for the 340, 341, 342. If I can help narrow down the lineage let me know.
Hi Roger, I emailed you.